Fraternity and Sorority Community Support and Philanthropy at All-Time High

Friday, January 22 2010

MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho fraternities and sororities were a busy group last fall, accumulating 15,416 hours of community service and donating $15,504 to philanthropic causes.

Known for their service contributions locally in Moscow, as well as throughout Idaho, the fraternity and sorority members participated in service projects with both national and local service organizations.

Locally, the Idaho Greeks worked with: Palouse Cares; Moscow Adopt-A-Family; Humane Society of the Palouse; and Moscow Giving Market. National organizations supported by the Idaho Greeks include: Habitat for Humanity; The Girl Scouts of The USA; Camp Fire USA; The Salvation Army; and the American Red Cross.

"Our Pumpkin Carving event with the Girl Scouts was both enjoyable and eye-opening" said Jordyn Wright, a senior in political science and member of Kappa Delta sorority. "It reminded us of the importance of being a role model and giving back to our community."

Alpha Phi Sorority and Sigma Chi Fraternity topped the charts with the most hours and philanthropic dollars donated respectively, with Alpha Phi completing more than 1,400 hours of service – 17 hours per member on average – and Sigma Chi donating more than $3,000 to philanthropy – or $38 per member on average.

"We commend all of the fraternities and sororities on their exemplary contributions in service to the community and philanthropy last semester," said Matthew Kurz, Director of Greek Life at the university. "We appreciate the example they set for what groups can accomplish when they work hard for important causes."

More than 1,700 students, totaling 20 percent of the enrolled undergraduates, are active members in fraternities and sororities on campus.

To learn more about University of Idaho fraternity and sorority life, visit www.students.uidaho.edu/greeklife.
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About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 130 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.

About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.